Acid Supressing Drugs

Treatment of heartburn and acid reflux associated with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy

Ruth Law, Caroline Maltepe, Pina Bozzo and Adrienne Einarson, RN

February 2010

ABSTRACT

QUESTION

In addition to suffering from nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, which is being treated with antiemetics, some of my pregnant patients complain of heartburn and acid reflux. Should these symptoms also be treated and, if so, which acid-reducing medications are safe for use during pregnancy?

ANSWER

Increased severity of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy is associated with the presence of heartburn and acid reflux. Antacids, histamine-2 receptor antagonists, and proton pump inhibitors can be used safely during pregnancy, as large studies have been published with no evidence of adverse fetal effects.

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